Mayfair aesthetics & beauty salon in the spotlight

Salon in the Spotlight: Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty, London

By Callie Iley | 3 August 2023

Offering a one-stop salon for nail, beauty and aesthetics treatments in a contemporary central London salon location, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty shares its journey since its establishment in 2001. Since opening in 2001 offering nail and tanning services to clients, Mayfair Aesthetics & Beauty has developed and grown its business…

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July scratch snap winner

WINNER ANNOUNCED: Scratch Snap July 2023

By Callie Iley | 31 July 2023

The winner of Scratch’s monthly nail art challenge has been announced as Stephanie Connolly. In a showcase of talent, techs stepped up to the Scratch Snap challenge for July & created nail designs inspired by ‘Undersea Adventure’ in the bid to win a prize from Nail Alliance. Judged by Scratch‘s copywriter, Callie Iley, and Gelish master…

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Insight: Understanding scoresheets from nail & beauty competitions

By Katie Barnes | 31 July 2023

To not be a finalist or winner in a nail competition or awards can leave you wondering what you did wrong and make you question your skills. As a competitor and judge, I would like to share my experiences… Recognition aside, simply applying for a nail award or being shortlisted…

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15 common nail conditions & how to deal with them

By Callie Iley | 30 July 2023

Do you know what to do when you’re faced with a natural nail concern? Scratch shares expert advice and product recommendations for 15 common nail issues… Addressing the issue The natural nail is the foundation of any great nail enhancement, so knowing how to approach common issues if and when…

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Nail Tech Talk: Tammy Fontaine of Nails By Tammy 

By Callie Iley | 29 July 2023

Without an artistic background, East London-based tech, Tammy Fontaine, shares that when completing her training in 2006, she never believed she’d have the patience for nail art. “Nail art didn’t come naturally to me,” she remembers. “I trained in basic manicures and pedicures at college, gaining my NVW Level 2…

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Seeking a removable alternative to nails? Check out Karen Boyle’s press-on nail rings

By Callie Iley | 28 July 2023

Managing her nail career alongside a full-time IT job of 34 years, Bolton-based nail tech & press-on nail artist, Karen Boyle of Gel A Licious, shares her venture into the removable nail realm… Karen Boyle wouldn’t have described herself as artistic, so was surprised to discover her passion for nail…

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Salon in the Spotlight: Nailed it by Jo, East Kilbride, Scotland

By Callie Iley | 27 July 2023

With a background in finance and a BA Honours in Business Management, Jo Simpson’s passion for nails and nail art remained as a hobby until 2019, when a serious infection led her to re-evaluate. “I had a long recovery and a few stays in hospital, which really made me reflect,”…

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Phenix salon suites birmingham

Phenix Salon Suites unveils second flexible UK workspace location for beauty pros

By Callie Iley | 27 July 2023

Following the success of the opening of its first UK venue in Manchester, Phenix Salon Suites expands its franchise with the unveiling of its Birmingham site for self-employed beauty professionals. Covering 6,400 square feet, the workspace features a custom-built mezzanine floor, an exclusive colour bar, air conditioning in each suite,…

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Looking to step up your nail art game? Check out Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints

By Callie Iley | 21 July 2023

Offering three times the pigment of regular gel polish, bring your nail art concepts to life with Artistic Nail Design’s Art Paints. With a high pigment finish allowing for a one-stroke, fine-line look in both créme and metallic finishes, the Artistic Art Paints promise no marbling or wrinkling and a…

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Salon in the Spotlight: K.M.Nails & Beauty, Wroughton

By Callie Iley | 20 July 2023

Having had dreams of entering the beauty industry for as long as she can remember, Kasey Beasley remembers watching nail art videos on YouTube and having her mum and sisters model for her practice. “I knew I had to do this as a career,” she shares. “When I left school…

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Are your gloves protecting you against nail ingredients

Are your gloves protecting you against nail ingredients?

By Katie Barnes | 18 July 2023

In a previous blog for Scratch, we explored what gloves are needed for nail technicians and covered thickness and how often these need to be changed. In this blog, we delve deeper into chemical permeability and how to know if your gloves protect you against the chemicals which you use…

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How to successfully edit your nail photos

By Katie Barnes | 17 July 2023

In a previous blog, I shared 5 top tips on improving your nail photos. In this post, I am going to share more about editing your nail photos. Editing images these days, including nail images is a controversial topic. Your nail images should show the quality and truth of your…

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Nail Tech Talk: Abi Hassan of Hot Wheels Nails

By Callie Iley | 15 July 2023

With a colourful nail art library & an equally bright personality to match, Abi Hassan, owner of Canterbury-based salon, Hot Wheels Nails, sits down with Scratch to discuss the importance of creating an inclusive & accessible salon space… “When I was a little girl, I looked up to my older…

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Luxury glam nails & beauty salon in the spotlight

Salon in the Spotlight: Luxury Glam Nails & Beauty, Chorley

By Callie Iley | 13 July 2023

Curating a fresh and girly look for her salon, Vicky Lea used a pink and white palette for her salon, adding soft touches such as florals and pampas grass to soften the clinical elements. Training with NSI in 2002, Vicky Lea has been doing nails ever since. “It’s been over…

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Looking for some more builder gel colours? Glitterbels unveils 60 Hema-free Builder-bel hues

By Chloe Randall | 10 July 2023

Glitterbels has diversified its range of 11 Brush On Builder Gels by introducing 60 in a Hema-free formula. “The soak-off formula of the Builder-Bel Gels allows pros to build short extensions with a form or tip, add strength to the natural nail and build shape,” comments Annabel Maginnis, co-founder of…

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